bible & science

Is science a friend or foe to the Bible? In this series we will discover that a proper interpretation of science, as well as a proper understanding of Scripture, will find no conflict between the two. Consequently, we will find what the Bible does say, as well as what it does not say, with respect to science and nature. In doing so, we will clear up many misconceptions on this topic.

THE BIBLE AND SCIENCE: ARE THEY IN CONFLICT

Part 1: The Bible’s Relationship To Science - Does The Scripture Conflict With Science?

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth

(Genesis 1:1 KJV)

When the subject of the Bible and its relationship to science is addressed there are a number of introductory questions that naturally arise. This book will cover some of these introductory questions. We will look at what science can and cannot do, the relationship of the Bible to science, the way in which scientific statements should be understood, as well as other introductory questions in this most important topic.

Part 2: Dinosaurs And The Bible - What Does The Bible Have To Say?

This section in our book is one that causes a lot of interest –dinosaurs. These huge creatures that once roamed the earth fascinate us all. There are a number of questions that naturally arise concerning the dinosaurs. What are dinosaurs? Where did they come from? Why did God create them? What happened to them? Could some dinosaurs still be alive today? Does the Bible have anything to say about this subject?

Part 3: Scientific Difficulties In Scripture

This last section of the book looks at some of the scientific difficulties which are found in the Bible. While they are often ridiculed as being scientifically absurd we will find that these are difficulties have realistic solutions. This includes such accounts as Jonah being swallowed by the sea creature, the sun standing still in the long day in Joshua, the Bible mentioning the unicorn and idea that the sky was a solid dome.

THE BIBLE DOCTRINE OF CREATION

The biblical doctrine of creation is the first doctrine stated in Scripture. This speaks to its importance. Consequently, it is essential that we know certain things about it. In this book, we look at some of the major things which we learn when we examine what the Bible has to say about creation.

Part 2: Evolution And Creation: What Do They Teach?

He [Jesus] answered, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator made them male and female” (Matthew 19:4 NET)

There are two main theories that attempt to explain how life developed on the earth – biblical creationism and evolution. The topic of creation and evolution is now our focus. Are we here by chance or design? If evolution is true, then what are the consequences? Did God have used evolutionary forces to bring about the world? These and other issues will be examined in this section.

THE DAYS OF GENESIS

In this book we will concentrate on one of the most controversial and often-discussed subjects in the Bible/Science debate – the meaning of the word day in the first chapter of the Book of Genesis.

As we shall see, there are a number of different views that Bible-believers hold on this fascinating subject.

For example, some see the earth as being relatively young while others believe it is millions of years old. Some see judgment in the first chapter of Genesis while others do not. All of these conclusions are claimed to have been made from a study of the Scripture. Obviously, all of these perspectives cannot be true. As we examine this topic we will discover exactly what the Bible does say and does not say with respect to Genesis 1 and the date of creation.

THE GENESIS FLOOD

A much-discussed topic among Bible believer is the extent of the Flood in the days of Noah. This book will explore the various ways the Genesis Flood account has been understood. Some believers think the Flood was worldwide in it scope destroying every living thing on the planet. Only those in the ark survived. Others think the Flood did not cover the entire earth but rather was localized to a small geographic area. All sides appeal to Scripture to support their case. We will examine the biblical arguments for the various positions and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Our goal is to give the best arguments that are put forward for each particular view. Our desire is to be thorough without being exhaustive. Along the way, we will state what we believe is the best way to view all of the evidence. The reader can then decide which view best fits the facts or whether the evidence is not conclusive to hold any one particular view.

GENESIS 1-3

The first eleven chapters of the Book of Genesis contain a number of issues that are of the utmost importance for human beings. Consequently, before we look at these specific questions which come from the text of Scripture there are a number of introductory issues about the Book of Genesis which need to be addressed. This first section of our book looks at some of these initial questions.

The Genesis Creation Account

(Genesis 1 And 2)

The first chapter of Genesis gives the account of the creation of the heavens and earth. Included in this description of creation are all things that can be seen with the naked eye. God is said to have made everything in the universe with one notable exception, Himself. Genesis does not provide many details about creation but those things that are recorded should be taken seriously.

The Fall Of Humanity

(Genesis 3)

The Explanation Of The Origin Of Sin

The third chapter of the Book of Genesis is one of the most important in the entire Bible. In it, we find the explanation of the origin of sin. In fact, without the third chapter of Genesis, the remainder of the Bible makes no sense whatsoever. Therefore, it is vital that we understand the events recorded in this chapter.

Apart from being the explanation for the origin of sin into our world, this chapter is a literary masterpiece. For example, in Genesis 3:1-5 it is the serpent who sins. In 3:6 it is the woman who sins and then finally the man. When the Lord confronts these personages He speaks to them in the reverse order, the man (3:9-12), the woman (3:13), and then the serpent (3:14). The Lord then pronounces judgment upon them in the order in which they sinned. First the serpent is judged (3:14-15), then the woman hears her judgment (3:16), and finally the man is judged (3:17-19).

GENESIS 4-11

In this first section of the book, we look at questions concerning those who lived after Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden but before the Flood of Noah. Unfortunately humanity continued in the footsteps of Adam and Eve and continued to sin. In these chapters in Genesis we find the human race moving farther away from the perfection of Eden and the God of the Bible. Their behavior set the stage for the Lord to send a great flood upon the earth.

The Genesis Flood And Its Aftermath

(Genesis 7-11)

The Bible says that God sent a great flood to judge sin. This obviously brings up a number of important questions regarding the account of the flood and its affect upon the earth. This section looks at some of these questions. After the floodwater subsided, God made a covenant with Noah. It is important that we understand that certain things were different before and after the Flood.